Start a Burnaby Convention and Visitors Bureau Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Burnaby-based Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAICS 561591). You’ll find a clear path to start-up—from choosing the right legal structure to building a governance plan—plus the five essential requirements you’ll need to meet. Expect an upfront look at permits and licenses, typical setup costs, and a realistic timeline to bring your CVB vision to life.
What you’ll learn includes the five essential requirements: registration and nonprofit setup, governance and board structure, local permits and business licenses, a funding and partnership plan, and a destination marketing strategy. We also break down typical costs, the likely timeline, and practical steps to collaborate with Burnaby hotels, venues, attractions, and the municipal tourism team to accelerate your launch.
Burnaby’s mix of urban venues, approachable traveler routes, and proximity to Vancouver makes it a compelling home for a CVB. A Burnaby CVB can tap strong local partnerships, diverse events, and steady visitor interest to grow tourism and create local jobs.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a convention and visitors bureau in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate, invoice clients, or open essential accounts without it. It’s non-negotiable: without a BN, you won’t be able to handle taxes or interact with government programs in a compliant way.
For mandatory operational requirements, focus on health and safety and related obligations. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are essential for any workplace, ensuring you meet safety rules and protect staff and volunteers. If you have employees, you’ll also need payroll deductions setup and ongoing payroll compliance, which ties into your tax and reporting responsibilities. Depending on your activities, you may also need to obtain any local permits or approvals; it’s wise to confirm what’s required for your Burnaby operation.
Business Registration & Tax: your BN is the gateway, but you’ll also want BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership and plan to use a name other than your own. In addition, GST/HST Registration may be required depending on your revenue and activities, and Payroll Deductions Registration is necessary if you hire staff. These registrations are part of keeping your finances orderly and compliant as you grow.
Next steps and encouragement: start with obtaining your BN from the CRA and register your BC business name if needed. Then review GST/HST and payroll requirements based on your expected revenue and team size, and set up WorkSafeBC coverage if you have employees. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple checklist with timelines to keep you on track and avoid missed steps. You’ve got this—step by step, you’ll be ready to operate confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Burnaby:
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your convention and visitors bureaus:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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